The 2021 iPad Pro, powered by the same brain as the all-new M1 iMac, stands out as a unique tablet computer. Featuring the new Liquid Retina XDR Display and vastly improved iPadOS, it solidifies its reputation as a new-age powerhouse. However, no computer is complete without a physical keyboard. If you aim to unlock the full potential of your tablet, widely touted as a laptop killer, acquiring a suitable keyboard is essential. To streamline your search for the perfect keyboard accessory, here are the top 10 keyboard cases for the 2021 iPad Pro in both 12.9-inch and 11-inch sizes.
Top Picks for iPad Pro Keyboard Cases
What type of keyboard case are you seeking? Do you prefer a full laptop-style keyboard or a premium case with a trackpad? Or perhaps a budget-friendly option for your 2021 iPad Pro? I’ve curated various keyboard cases to suit different needs and budgets. Below is a table featuring the available options.
Table Of Contents
1. Apple Magic Keyboard
Despite the abundance of quality keyboard cases, the Magic Keyboard stands out in several aspects. Firstly, it boasts a compact design that complements the 2021 iPad Pro.
Featuring the cantilever design, this keyboard magnetically attaches to your tablet, offering adjustable viewing angles for convenience. Tactile keys provide necessary typing feedback, while backlit keys ensure usability in low-light conditions. Additionally, it includes a trackpad for enhanced tablet interaction.
The USB-C port supports pass-through charging, while durable construction protects the tablet from impacts and scratches. Coupled with its neat folding design, it emerges as an ideal companion for the iPad Pro 2021. Despite its seemingly high price, its premium build and magnetic attachment justify the investment.
2. Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
If you’re eyeing a top-notch keyboard case for your 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 under $200, consider the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio. While it lacks the elegance and versatility of the Magic Keyboard, it covers all the essentials. Its ultra-lightweight design and tactile keys ensure convenient typing.
Moreover, you can magnetically attach the Smart Keyboard Folio to your new iPad Pro, eliminating the need for charging thanks to the magnetic attachment.
For protection, Smart Keyboard Folio impresses. Its durable exterior and shock-resistant interior cushion shield your 2021 iPad Pro from scratches and minor impact. Plus, it’s fully adjustable to enhance typing or media viewing.
Cons:
- Lacks a trackpad
3. Logitech Combo Touch
Logitech, renowned for keyboards, presents Combo Touch as a top alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Its sleek design complements the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 perfectly.
Despite its slim form factor, the keyboard offers essential protection to the front, back, and corners of the 5th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the 3rd-gen 11-inch iPad Pro. Combo Touch features up to 16 levels of adjustable backlighting, enhancing your typing experience at night.
The responsive keys enable typing at your desired speed. Additionally, it includes a row of iPadOS shortcut keys for brightness, onscreen keyboard, search, home, volume, playback controls, and lock.
Not only that, Logitech Combo Touch boasts a productivity-defining trackpad for efficient work on your iPad Pro. It magnetically attaches the Apple Pencil to securely hold and charge it simultaneously, all at a lower price than the Apple Magic Keyboard. Consequently, Logitech’s offering stands as among the top keyboard cases for both 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models in 2021.
- Slim, durable construction
- Highly-responsive keys
- Integrated trackpad
- iPadOS shortcut keys
- Adjustable backlighting with 16 levels
4. BRYDGE PRO
Both in premium design and type experience, BRYDGE PRO excels as a keyboard case for the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro 2021. Its striking resemblance to MacBook Pro’s keyboard ensures a seamless transition to using a MacBook.
The full-size keyboard includes dedicated iPadOS hotkeys, enhancing productivity. The keys offer tactile feedback, facilitating effortless typing. BRYDGE PRO also allows for adjustable viewing angles (0 to 180 degrees), enhancing both typing and media consumption.
For durability, BRYDGE PRO provides 360-degree protection for your iPad Pro with cushioning and fortified corners, ensuring impact resistance.
- Pros:
- The striking similarity with MacBook’s keyboard
- Full-size keyboard with iPadOS hotkeys
- 0-180-degree viewing angles
- 360-degree defense
- Could feel a little bulky
- Offers a smooth typing experience
- Includes a built-in trackpad
- Sturdy and well-built
- Features an impact-resistant design
- Slim profile
- Notebook-style keyboard with iPadOS shortcut keys
- Apple Pencil holder
- Premium experience at affordable price point
- Keys are less tactile
- Lightweight yet protective design
- Auto-sleep/wake support
- 7-color backlight
- Adjustable stand
- Sleek, protective design
- Honeycomb grid pattern
- Full-size keyboard
- Adjustable viewing angles
- QWERTY layout with hotkeys
- Adjustable angles
- Durable construction
- Up to 80 hours of battery life
5. BRYDGE PRO+
BRYDGE PRO+ is an enhanced version of the Pro model, featuring a built-in trackpad, a significant addition for those who rely on trackpad navigation or tasks on their iPad. Brydge asserts it offers the ultimate trackpad experience.
Cons:
Debating its trackpad’s superiority aside, I can attest to its fluid navigation. Like the standard variant, it resembles the MacBook’s keyboard. Typing-wise, expect the BRYDGE PRO+ to rival both the Logitech Combo Touch and Apple Magic Keyboard.
Regarding protection, the BRYDGE PRO+ excels in safeguarding your iPad Pro from shocks and scratches. With precise cutouts, it fulfills every essential requirement without breaking the bank.
6. Logitech Slim Folio Pro
Logitech Slim Folio Pro, a keyboard case offering the best of both worlds, combines top-notch build quality with affordability. Ideal for 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro users seeking an affordable yet premium keyboard case.
This laptop-style keyboard includes a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys for faster typing and backlit keys for working in dark environments. Additionally, it enables wireless charging and safe storage for your Apple Pencil. The battery lasts up to 3 months on a single charge (based on 2 hours of daily use).
For protection, rely on the Slim Folio Pro to resist impacts and prevent scuffs. It stands out as one of the best affordable keyboard cases for the 3rd-gen 11-inch iPad Pro and 5th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
7. Levet Folio Smart Cover for iPad Pro
For an affordable keyboard case for your iPad Pro 2021, consider Levet. The wireless case features a slim yet durable profile, preserving your iPad’s elegance while providing necessary strength. The hard TPU back cover and fortified inner layer with honeycomb grid pattern ensure it withstands drop impacts.
Experience smooth typing with the full-size keyboard. Large, well-spaced keys ensure comfort while typing and grant quick access to media volume controls. The detachable keyboard doubles as a standalone case for your iPad Pro and supports magnetic attachment for safe charging of the Apple Pencil. The Levet Folio Smart Cover, priced at $56, appears to be an excellent choice.
Cons:
8. KVAGO
This KVAGO offering is a steal at $39. Crafted from soft PU leather, the iPad Pro keyboard case boasts a professional design. The precise cutouts and neat craftsmanship further enhance its appearance, offering protection from low-volume impacts and scratches for your 2021 iPad Pro.
The full-size keyboard features well-spaced keys for a decent typing experience. With 7 backlight colors and 3 brightness levels, it covers all the basics. Additionally, the keyboard case seamlessly integrates with the Apple Pencil, allowing it to attach to the iPad.
KVAGO stands out with its fully adjustable stand, enhancing iPad Pro usage by providing optimal viewing angles for typing or hands-free video calls. Additionally, it supports auto sleep/wake functionality, conserving battery.
9. Militwo Keyboard Case for iPad Pro
With its sleek design, Militwo immediately caught my attention. While it may not rival the Apple Magic Keyboard or Logitech Combo Touch, it still offers satisfactory performance. If you’re in search of an affordable yet reliable keyboard case for your new iPad Pro 2021, Militwo is a solid choice.
The case features shock-absorbing TPU and soft PU leather. Its dual-layer construction, reinforced by a honeycomb grid pattern, ensures durability against drops and minimizes scuffs. The full-size keyboard with well-spaced keys ensures comfortable typing.
Militwo keyboard case enables wireless charging for the Apple Pencil and includes a dedicated slot for secure storage. Additionally, it offers various viewing angles for enhanced Netflix binge-watching or typing.
10. CHESONA
For drop protection and comfortable typing, consider CHESONA. This keyboard case boasts a sleek design that snugly encases the iPad Pro and provides 360-degree protection against accidents. The soft-touch finish adds comfort to the exterior.
The QWERTY keyboard layout, alongside hotkeys for volume, music controls, brightness, and more, ensures versatility. The keyboard case features a slot for the Apple Pencil, ensuring safe storage without hindering wireless charging.
Regarding battery life, the company claims up to 80 hours of work time (stand by for 120 days). Coupled with adjustable angles, the CHESONA case emerges as a top choice for the 5th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro, balancing affordability and quality.
Top Keyboard Cases for 11-inch and 12-inch iPad Pro 2021
These are among the highest-rated keyboard cases for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021. With various top-notch recommendations, you’ll surely find the perfect companion for your new tablet. Whether it’s the premium keyboard case from Apple or Logitech with a trackpad or the affordable yet well-built option, share your choice and reasons in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.